Integrated cartridge service station

ABSTRACT

An integrated cartridge service station may include a reagent module comprising at least one reagent ejection device, and a service module integrated with the reagent module. The service module may include at least one service device. The reagent module and the service module are movable with respect to one another within a reagent dispensing system. The at least one reagent ejection device is movable between an in-line position and an off-line position within the reagent dispensing system.

BACKGROUND

The life sciences research and associated diagnostic industries use anumber of reagents and patient samples to perform testing anddiagnostics. Dispensing liquids such as these reagents and patientsamples in quantities from picoliters to microliters may be used in manyareas of pharmaceutical and biology research. For example, dispensing anumber of reagents in these quantities may be useful in medical andveterinary diagnostics, forensics testing, and agricultural testing todetermine the presence of a chemical or biological in a sample. Evenwithin these fields, low-volume liquid dispensing may be used for manydifferent operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various examples of the principlesdescribed herein and are part of the specification. The illustratedexamples are given merely for illustration, and do not limit the scopeof the claims.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a reagent dispensing system, according toan example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an integrated cartridge service station,according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a computer program product for servicing areagent dispensing device, according to an example of the principlesdescribed herein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a reagent dispensing system, according toanother example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a reagent module, according to an exampleof the principles described herein.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an integrated cartridge service station,according to an example of the principles described herein.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar,but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarilyto scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearlyillustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examplesand/or implementations consistent with the description; however, thedescription is not limited to the examples and/or implementationsprovided in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Human interaction during life science research and diagnostic processesmay lead to mistakes in those processes. Such mistakes may decrease thelikelihood of scientific breakthroughs and increase the likelihood ofmisdiagnosis of patients illnesses. Further, with human interaction,these processes may prove tedious thereby increasing the costsassociated with these processes as well as increase the time spentcompleting the processes. Automation of these processes, however, limitsmistakes, time, and costs.

Instruments and tools used in life science research and diagnosticprocesses have been developed to increase efficiency, decrease costs,and decrease time spent conducting this research or completingdiagnosis. However, even with these developments, increased numbers ofreagents used to interact with a sample increase the complexity and timeof completing those tasks.

In an automated, computer-driven diagnostics system, reagents may bedispensed based on a number of test protocols, and a wide variety andvolumes of different reagents may be dispensed based on these testprotocols. Some reagents may cause a dispensing device such as adie-based reagent dispensing device or a reagent dispensing device withnozzles to clog or become obstructed. A number of service devices suchas spittoons, wipers, and capping modules maybe used to increase ormaintain the health of the reagent dispensing devices. However, in orderto service the reagent dispensing devices, the reagent dispensingdevices may be taken off-line and presented to these service modules forservicing. This may cause the reagent dispensing system to take moretime to dispense reagent.

Examples described herein provide a reagent dispensing system. Thereagent dispensing system may include at least one reagent moduleincluding at least one reagent dispensing device to dispense a number ofreagents on a substrate, a module frame electrically and mechanicallycoupling the reagent dispensing device to the reagent dispersing system,a service module integrated with the at least one reagent ejectiondevice, the service module comprising at least one service device. Inone example, the at least one reagent ejection device and the integratedservice module are movable with respect to one another. In this example,the reagent module is movable between an in-line position and anoff-line position within the reagent dispensing system. In anotherexample, the at least one reagent ejection device and the integratedservice module are movable from an in-line position to an off-lineposition within the service system. In this example, the reagent moduleand its reagent ejection devices is movable with the service modulebetween the in-line position and the off-line position within thereagent dispensing system.

The at least one service device may include a capping module to seal anumber of nozzles of the at least one reagent ejection device fromambient atmosphere, a wiping module to wipe a nozzle plate of the atleast one reagent ejection device, a spittoon to receive spat reagentfrom the at least one reagent ejection device, or combinations thereof.The at least one reagent ejection device may include a plurality ofreagent ejection device. The module frame couples the plurality ofreagent ejection devices to one another, the coupled reagent ejectiondevices and module frame forming the reagent module. The service moduleservices each of the reagent ejection devices within the reagent module.The service module may service the at least one reagent dispensingdevice at an on-line position, at an off-line position, or a combinationthereof. The reagent ejection devices may be grouped within the reagentmodule based on a probability of cross-contamination between theplurality of the reagent ejection devices, an expiration date of thereagents within the reagent dispensing cartridges, a frequency of use ofthe reagents within the reagent dispensing cartridges, a volume of useof the reagents within the reagent dispensing cartridges, orcombinations thereof. The at least one reagent ejection device mayinclude a plurality of reagent ejection devices, and the service modulemay include a plurality of service modules. In this example, each of thereagent ejection devices may be integrated with a respective one of theplurality of service modules.

Examples described herein provide an integrated cartridge servicestation. The integrated cartridge service station may include a reagentmodule comprising at least one reagent ejection device, and a servicemodule integrated with the reagent module. The service module mayinclude at least one service device. The reagent module and the servicemodule are movable with respect to one another within a reagentdispensing system. Further, the at least one reagent ejection device ismovable between an in-line position and an off-line position within thereagent dispensing system.

The at least one service device may include a capping module to seal anumber of nozzles of the at least one reagent ejection device fromambient atmosphere, a wiping module to wipe a nozzle plate of the atleast one reagent ejection device, a spittoon to receive spat reagentfrom the at least one reagent ejection device, or combinations thereof.The spittoon may include a disposable absorbent material. The wipingmodule and the spitting module may include a disposable absorbentmaterial.

Examples described herein provide a computer program product forservicing a reagent dispensing device. The computer program product mayinclude a computer readable storage medium including computer usableprogram code embodied therewith. The computer usable program code, whenexecuted by a processor, identifies a service parameter of at least onereagent dispensing device within a reagent dispensing system. Further,the computer usable program code, when executed by the processor,initiates a servicing process of the reagent dispensing device using aservice module integrated with the at least one reagent dispensingdevice in response to the service parameter being met. The servicemodule moves relative to the at least one reagent ejection device duringthe servicing process.

The at least one reagent dispensing device may include a plurality ofreagent dispensing devices. The plurality of the reagent ejectiondevices may be integrated with the service module. Further, initiatingthe servicing process may include servicing a plurality of the reagentejection devices integrated with the service module. The integratedservice module may include a capping device, a wiping device, a spittoondevice, or combinations thereof.

As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, theterm “a number of” or similar language is meant to be understood broadlyas any positive number comprising 1 to infinity: zero not being anumber, but the absence of a number.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present systems and methods. It will be apparent,however, to one skilled in the art that the present apparatus, systems,and methods may be practiced without these specific details. Referencein the specification to “an example” or similar language means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith that example is included as described, but may or may not beincluded in other examples.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a reagentdispensing system (100), according to an example of the principlesdescribed herein. The reagent dispensing system (100) may be any systemthat dispenses a reagent onto a substrate. In one example, the reagentdispensing system (100) is an automated, computer driven system thatdispenses, through a number of reagent dispensing devices, a number ofdifferent reagents. The reagents may be any chemical or biologicalsubstance that may be used in any chemical reaction such as titrations,combinations, decompositions, single displacements, precipitations,neutralizations, double displacements, combustions, andreductions/oxidations, among other types of chemical or biologicalreactions. The reagents may be, for example, solutions including nucleicacid; deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA); ribonucleic acid (RNA); small (orshort) interfering RNA (siRNA); polymerase chain reaction (FOR) mastermix; proteins including, for example, enzymes and antibodies; otherbiomolecules including, for example, peptides, oligos, and lipids; smallmolecules, nanoparticles, biocides, cells or other tissue components,histology stains, linker reagents, inhibitors, aqueous solutions, ormany other reagents.

In one example, the reagents may be dispensed on a number of substratesthat are present on a conveyance system. In this example, the conveyancesystem may be any system on which a number of substrates are conveyedunderneath a reagent module (103) located at an in-line position of thereagent dispensing system (100). In one example, the substrates may bemicroscope slides, test samples, cell-culture dishes such as Petridishes, paper, tissue samples, porous media, lateral flow strip media,coated media, microtiter plates, or other substrates. At the in-lineposition, the reagent dispensing devices (104) of the reagent module(103) may dispense their respective reagents onto the substrates.

In one example, the reagent module (103) may be exchanged for anotherreagent module (103). In this example, a number of reagent modules (103)may be located off-line with respect to the in-line position of theconveyance system, and may contain reagents within their respectivereagent dispensing devices (104) that differ from those in the reagentmodules (103) located at the in-line position. In one example, thereagent modules (103) positioned at the in-line position may beexchanged by hand by, for example, a technician overseeing the processesperformed by the reagent dispensing system (100). In another example,the reagent modules (103) positioned at the in-line position may beexchanged using an automated system that utilizes tracks, roboticdevices, carousels, conveyor systems, other transport systems, orcombinations thereof to exchange an in-line reagent module (103) with anoff-line reagent module (103).

The reagent module (103) may include a module frame (102) tomechanically and electrically couple the reagent dispensing devices(104) within the reagent module (103) to the reagent dispensing system(100). The module frame (102) may include a number of mechanicalinterfaces to align the reagent dispensing devices (104) with respect tothe reagent module (103). Further, the module frame may include a numberof electrical interfaces to electrically couple the reagent dispensingdevices (104) to the reagent module (103), and, in turn, the reagentdispensing system (100), Signals may be sent by the reagent dispensingsystem (100) to the reagent dispensing devices (104) via the number ofelectrical interfaces of the reagent module (103). These signals may beused to instruct the reagent dispensing devices (104) to disperse avolume of reagent onto a substrate located on the dispersion surface(FIG. 4, 401).

Each of the reagent dispensing devices (104) may be any device thatdispenses a number of reagents. In one example, the reagent dispensingdevices (104) may include devices that dispense different volumes ofreagents. For example, a first reagent dispensing device (104-1) maydispense a first range of volumes of a reagent, a second reagentdispensing device (104-2) to dispense a second range of volumes of areagent where the second range of volumes may be more voluminousrelative to the first range of volumes, and a third reagent dispensingdevice (104-3) to dispense a third range of volumes of a third reagentwhere the third range of volumes may be more voluminous relative to thesecond range of volumes.

As depicted using the ellipses in FIG. 1 and the inclusion of an Nthreagent dispensing device (104-n), any number of reagent dispensingdevices may be included within a reagent module (103). Each of thesereagent dispensing devices (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-n, collectivelyreferred to herein as 104) may have differing architectures or formfactors that allow them to dispense their respective volumes. Forexample, the first reagent dispensing device (104-1) may include acassette device that dispenses between approximately 1 picoliter (pL)and 10 microliters (μL) as the first range of volumes of a reagent. Thecassette may include, for example, a T8+ or D4+ dispensehead cassetteproduced and distributed by HP, Inc. With these types of cassettes, arelatively small amount of reagent may be dispensed at a given time. Inone example, the first reagent dispensing device (104-1) or cassette maybe any digitally addressable fluid ejection device that contains a verysmall amount of reagent on the order of approximately up to 1 milliliter(mL). Further, the fluid within the first reagent dispensing device(104-1) may come pre-filled in the first reagent dispensing device(104-1), or a technician may fill the first reagent dispensing device(104-1) with a pipette or similar preliminary, manual reagent dispensingdevice at the time of use of the first reagent dispensing device(104-1).

Further, in one example, the second reagent dispensing device (104-2)may include a digitally addressable fluid ejection device. In thisexample, the digitally addressable fluid ejection device may include anumber of fluid ejection die to dispense the second range of volumes ofa reagent. For example, the second reagent dispensing device (104-2) mayinclude a digitally addressable fluid ejection device that dispensesbetween approximately 100 nanoliters (nL) and 100 μL as the second rangeof volumes of a reagent. In one example, the digitally addressable fluidejection device may be a thermal or piezoelectric fluid ejection devicewhere the reagents are dispensed from an array of fluid ejectionchambers and nozzles of the fluid ejection die using thermal expansionor piezoelectric forces applied to the reagents. In this example, thesecond reagent dispensing device (104-2) may contain, for example, 1 to40 milliliters of reagent and may be pre-packaged with the reagentbefore the time of use.

Still further, in one example, the third reagent dispensing device(104-3) may include any high-volume reagent dispensing device such as,for example, a digitally addressable fluid ejection device fluidicallycoupled to an off-line bulk supply of reagent. In this example, thethird reagent dispensing device (104-3) may be used in connection withthe dispensing of bulk amounts of reagents. The third reagent dispensingdevice (104-3) may include a digitally addressable fluid ejection devicethat dispenses between approximately 100 nanoliters (nL) and 100 μL asthe third range of volumes of a reagent. In this example, the thirdreagent dispensing device (104-3) may contain bulk volumes of reagentsince this bulk reagent dispensing device may be used most often, Thus,third reagent dispensing device (104-3) may contain for example, 40 to1,000 mL of reagent and may be pre-packaged with the reagent before thetime of use.

With regard to the reagent dispensing devices (104-1, 104-2, 104-3,104-n), a frequency of use and amount of dispersion of respectivereagents within a given time period may be taken into consideration indetermining what reagents are placed in what type of architecture ofreagent dispensing devices (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-n). For example,for reagents that are utilized relatively more often and/or at higherdispensed volumes, the third reagent dispensing device (104-3) may beused. In this example, the third reagent dispensing device (104-3) maycontain reagents used daily, with dispense volumes ranging fromapproximately 100 nL and 100 μL. In one example, the third reagentdispensing device (104-3) may be fluidically coupled to the off-linebulk supply of reagent to allow for larger volumes of its reagent to bemade available to the third reagent dispensing device (104-3).

Further, for reagents that are utilized relatively less often and/or atlower dispensed volumes relative to the third reagent dispensing device(104-3), the second reagent dispensing device (104-2) may be used. Inthis example, the second reagent dispensing device (104-2) may containreagents used regularly with dispense volumes met by a fill volume ofthe second reagent dispensing device (104-2). The second reagentdispensing device (104-2) may be utilized for reagents used weekly todaily, with dispense volumes ranging from approximately 0.5 mL to 20 mLper month.

Still further, for reagents that are utilized relatively less oftenand/or at lower dispensed volumes relative to the second and thirdreagent dispensing device (104-2, 104-3), the first reagent dispensingdevice (104-1) may be used. In this example, the first reagentdispensing device (104-1) may contain reagents used intermittently orrarely with low dispense volumes of the reagent. The first reagentdispensing device (104-1) may be utilized less often than weekly, andfor dispense volumes ranging from approximately 10 μL to 0.5 mL permonth.

In this manner, the types of architectures had by the reagent dispensingdevices (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-n) may be individually utilized basedon their dispensing volumes, their capacities, and their frequency ofuse. A reagent dispensing system (100) that permits for multiplearchitectural types of reagent dispensing devices (104-1, 104-2, 104-3,104-n) provides for efficient management and use of reagents that varywidely in terms of their dispensing environmental conditions and theirusage rate. Further, the dispensing of reagents in the manner providedby the reagent dispensing devices (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-n) providesa more effective level of control as to amounts of reagents dispensed,and is easier to use relative to, for example, pipette-based methods ofreagent dispensing. Further, the reagent dispensing devices (104-1,104-2, 104-3, 104-n) allow for a more precise placement of reagents on asubstrate, including onto specific regions of a tissue sample, forexample. Still further, reagents dispensed by the reagent dispensingdevices (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-n) may be used with significantlyimproved efficiency since less reagents are wasted during dispensing. Inone example, this increased in efficiency may be as high as 1,000 timemore efficient. Even still further, the reagent dispensing devices(104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-n) easily combine reagents on the substrate ina digitally addressed manner such that, for example, multiple reagentsmay be dispensed next to one another or at the same location, asdesired.

In one example, each reagent module (103) may include a single reagentdispensing device (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-n), and, in this example, anumber of reagent modules (103) may be exchanged with one another to anin-line position relative to the dispersion surface (FIG. 4, 401), orexist in a number of stations in-line with the dispersion surface (FIG.4, 401). The reagent modules (103), in this example, may dispense withtheir respective single reagent dispensing devices (104-1, 104-2, 104-3,104-n), their respective volumes. Provisioning of a single reagentdispensing device (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-n) within a reagent module(103) assists in ensuring that the reagents within the reagentdispensing devices (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-n) are notcross-contaminated or cause an unexpected reaction off-line if they weregrouped as a plurality of reagent dispensing devices (104-1, 104-2,104-3, 104-n) within a reagent module (103). In another example, aplurality of the reagent dispensing devices (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-n)may be grouped in a reagent module (103) based on the reagents containedin the reagent dispensing devices (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-n) nothaving an affinity to react with one another or cross-contaminate oneanother. In one example, the reagent ejection devices (104) may begrouped within the reagent module (103) based on a probability ofcross-contamination between the plurality of the reagent ejectiondevices (104), an expiration date of the reagents within the reagentdispensing cartridges (104), a frequency of use of the reagents withinthe reagent dispensing cartridges (104), a volume of use of the reagentswithin the reagent dispensing cartridges (104), or combinations thereof.

The reagent dispensing system (100) may also include a service module(130). In one example, the service module (130) may be integrated withthe at least one reagent ejection device (104), the reagent module(103), the module frame (102), or combinations thereof. Integration withthe reagent ejection device (104), the reagent module (103), the moduleframe (102) or combinations thereof allows the service module (130) toremain with these elements so that servicing of the reagent ejectiondevices (104) of the reagent module (103) may be performed at any timeor position including before deposition of a number of reagents, afterdeposition of a number of reagents, while the reagent module (103) is inan in-line position, while the reagent module (103) is in an off-lineposition, other times or positions, or combinations thereof.

In one example, the at least one reagent ejection device (104) and theintegrated service module (130) may be movable from an in-line positionto an off-line position within the reagent dispensing system (100). Inthis example, the service module, due to it being integrated with thereagent ejection device (104), the reagent module (103), the moduleframe (102), or combinations thereof, may be movable with these elementsof the reagent dispensing system (100) between the in-line position andthe off-line position within the reagent dispensing system (100).

The service module (130) may include a number of service devices (131-1,131-2, 131-3, 131-n, collectively referred to herein as 131). Theservice devices (131) may be any device that, through interaction withthe reagent dispensing devices (104) increases the operability of thereagent dispensing devices (104), maintains the operability of thereagent dispensing devices (104), or otherwise reduces errors in theoperation of the reagent dispensing devices (104). In one example, theservice devices (130) may be a capping module to selectively seal anumber of reagent ejection nozzles of the reagent ejection devices (104)from ambient atmosphere, a wiping module to wipe a nozzle plate of thereagent ejection devices (104), a spittoon to receive spat reagent fromthe reagent ejection devices (104), other devices that service thereagent ejection devices (104), or combinations thereof.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an integrated cartridge service station(200), according to an example of the principles described herein. Theintegrated cartridge service station (200) may include a number ofelements including the reagent module (103), the service module (130),and their respective elements described in connection with FIG. 1.Therefore, similarly-numbered elements included in FIG. 1 and describedin connection with FIG. 1 designate similar elements within theintegrated cartridge service station (200) of FIG. 2. The integratedcartridge service station (200) may include a reagent module (103)including at least one reagent ejection device (104), A service module(130) integrated with the reagent module (103) may also be included inorder to service the reagent ejection devices (104) included in thereagent module (103). The service module (130) includes at least oneservice device. Further, in one example, the service module (130) ismovable from an in-line position to an off-line position within areagent dispensing system (100) as the reagent ejection devices (104)and reagent module (103) move between the in-line position and theoff-line position within the reagent dispensing system (100).

In another example, the service module (130) may be stationary andcontinually located at an off-line position or in-line position so thatthe reagent module (103) or its reagent ejection devices (104) move inand out of the service module (130) or in and out of a coupling orinterfacing state relative to the service module (130), For example, theservice module (130) may be located at an in-line position, and thereagent module (103) or its reagent ejection devices (104) move into acoupling state with the service module (130) as the reagent module (103)or its reagent ejection devices (104) move into the in-line position. Inanother example, the service module (130) may be located at an off-lineposition, and the reagent module (103) or its reagent ejection devices(104) move into a coupling state with the service module (130) as thereagent module (103) or its reagent ejection devices (104) move into theoff-line position.

In another example, the service module (130) may move to the position ofthe reagent module (103) or its reagent ejection devices (104). In thisexample, the reagent module (103) or its reagent ejection devices (104)may be located at an in-line position or an off-line position. In eitherposition, the service module (130) may move to and couple with thereagent module (103) or its reagent ejection devices (104) at thesein-line or off-line positions.

The service devices (131) of the integrated cartridge service station(200) may include a capping module to seal a number of nozzles of thereagent ejection devices (104) from ambient atmosphere, a wiping moduleto wipe a nozzle plate of the at least one reagent ejection device(104), a spittoon to receive spat reagent from the reagent ejectiondevices (104), or combinations thereof. Further, in one example, thespittoon of the integrated cartridge service station (200) may include adisposable absorbent material. Further, in one example, the wipingmodule and the spitting module of the integrated cartridge servicestation (200) may include a disposable absorbent material. In thisexample, the wiping module and the spitting module of the integratedcartridge service station (200) may be embodied as a single element. Inanother example, the wiping module and the spitting module of theintegrated cartridge service station (200) may be separate elements thateach include a disposable absorbent material.

The reagent module (103) may include any number of reagent dispensingdevices (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-n). In one example, four reagentdispensing devices (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-n) may be included in thereagent module (103) as depicted in FIG. 2. However, as depicted usingthe ellipses in FIG. 2 and the inclusion of an Nth reagent dispensingdevice (104-n), any number of reagent dispensing devices (104) may beincluded within a reagent module (103). Each of the reagent dispensingdevices (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-n) may include a volume of reagent. Inone example, the reagents within each of the reagent dispensing devices(104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-n) may be different. However, in otherexamples, at least two of the reagent dispensing devices (104-1, 104-2,104-3, 104-n) among the plurality of reagent dispensing devices (104-1,104-2, 104-3, 104-n) within the reagent module (103) may dispense anidentical or substantially similar reagent.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a computer program product (300) forservicing a reagent dispensing device (104), according to an example ofthe principles described herein. The computer program product mayinclude computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storagemedium may include computer usable program code embodied therewith. Thecomputer usable program code, when executed by a processor, identifies,with a service identification module (301), a service parameter of atleast one reagent dispensing device (104) within a reagent dispensingsystem (104). the service parameter may include any parameter thatindicates that the reagent dispensing device (104) is due for at leastone servicing process to be performed. For example, the serviceparameter may be based on a volume of reagent dispensed by the reagentdispensing device (104) since its last servicing process, an amount oftime since the reagent dispensing device (104) was last serviced, thetype of reagent contained within the reagent dispensing device (104),the movement of the reagent dispensing device (104) relative to theservice module, the movement of the reagent dispensing device (104) froman in-line position to an off-line position or visa versa, the movementof the service module from an in-line position to an off-line positionor visa versa, other service parameters, or combinations thereof.

In response to the service parameter being met, the computer usableprogram code, when executed by a processor, may initiate a servicingprocess of the reagent dispensing device (104) using a service module(130) integrated with the at least one reagent dispensing device (104)using a service initiation module (302). In one example, the processingdevice (414) and the storage device (415) may be used to set the serviceparameters, detect when the service parameters have been met, andinitiate the servicing process by instructing the reagent module (103)or its reagent ejection devices (104) and the service module (130) tointerface with one another in order to utilize the service devices (131)of the service module (130).

In one example, the service module (130) moves relative to the at leastone reagent ejection device during the servicing process. In oneexample, the service module (130) may move with the at least one reagentejection device (104) between the in-line position and the off-lineposition.

In one example, the at least one reagent dispensing device (104) mayinclude a plurality of reagent dispensing devices (104). In thisexample, the plurality of the reagent ejection devices (104) may beintegrated with the service module (130) within the integrated cartridgeservice station (200) of the reagent dispensing system (100), andinitiating the servicing process may include servicing a plurality ofthe reagent ejection devices (104) integrated with the service module(130). The service module (130) of the integrated cartridge servicestation (200) may include a number of service devices (131). In thisexample, the service devices (131) may include, for example, a cappingdevice, a wiping device, a spittoon device, or combinations thereof.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a reagent dispensing system (400),according to another example of the principles described herein. Thereagent dispensing system (400) may include a number of elementsincluding the reagent dispensing system (100), the integrated cartridgeservice station (200), and the computer program product (300), and theirrespective elements described in connection with FIGS. 1 through 3.Therefore, similarly-numbered elements included in FIGS. 1 through 3 anddescribed in connection with FIGS. 1 through 3 designate similarelements within the reagent dispensing system (400) of FIG. 4.

As depicted in FIG. 4, a reagent module (103) is located within areagent deposition area (402) of the reagent dispensing system (400) andis considered to be in an in-line position to dispense reagent (105)onto a number of substrates (450). In this manner, the reagent modules(103) may be physically coupled to the reagent dispensing system (400)and be seated within the reagent deposition area (402) in order todispense reagent (105) onto the substrates (450).

The reagent dispensing system (400) may include a substrate conveyancesystem (401) such as; for example; a conveyor belt that moves a numberof substrates (450) under the reagent deposition area (402) of thereagent dispensing system (400). However; any other type of conveyancesystem may be used such as, for example, mechanical stages that move inand out of the reagent deposition area (402), rolls or reels of flexiblematerial that moves underneath the reagent dispensing devices (104)within the reagent modules (103), or other conveyance systems.

The direction of travel of the substrate conveyance system (401) isindicated by arrows (470). In one example, the substrate conveyancesystem (401) may move in either a positive or negative x-direction.

The reagent dispensing system (400) in the example of FIG. 4 includes anumber of different reagent modules (103-1, 103-2, 103-3, collectivelyreferred to herein as 103) that include differing architectures or formfactors that allow them to dispense their respective volumes. Forexample, the reagent module (103-2) located within the reagentdeposition area (402) includes four digitally addressable fluid ejectiondevices (408-1, 408-2, 408-3, 408-4, collectively referred to herein as408). In one example, the four digitally addressable fluid ejectiondevices (408) may each include a volume of reagent (105). The reagentmodule (103-2) including the digitally addressable fluid ejectiondevices (408) may dispense an average or mid-range amount of reagent(105), and may be used for dispensing reagents that are dispensed at anaverage or mid-range frequency.

Other reagent modules (103-1, 103-2, 103-3) may be stored or placedoff-line, and may be exchangeable with the in-line reagent module(103-2). Other architectures or form factors of reagent modules (103)may be included within the reagent dispensing system (400). Anotherarchitecture or form factor of reagent modules (103) may include areagent module (103-1) that includes a cassette device (405), Asdescribed herein, the cassette device (405) may dispense betweenapproximately 0.1 picoliters (pL) and 0.1 microliters (μL) as the firstrange of volumes of a reagent. The first range of volumes is less thanthe volumes that may be dispensed using the digitally addressable fluidejection devices (104-2). The cassette device (405) may include, forexample, a T8+ or D4+ dispensing cassette produced and distributed byHP, Inc, With these types of cassettes, a relatively small amount ofreagent may be dispensed at a given time using a dispensing die that iscapable of dispensing these relatively small volumes of fluid. Thecassette device (405) may be used to dispense volumes of fluid that areless frequently dispensed relative to other reagents, are negativelysusceptible to environmental conditions, are expensive to inventory, aremixed immediately before use, have a relatively short shelf life, haveother properties that lend their use to relatively smaller volumes, orcombinations thereof.

Another architecture or form factor of reagent modules (103) may includea reagent module (103-3) that includes a bulk reagent dispensing device(406). The bulk reagent dispensing device (406) may be fluidicallycoupled to a bulk reagent source (407) to provide the bulk reagentdispensing device (406) with ample reagent to dispense. The reagentmodule (103-3) including the bulk reagent dispensing device (406) maydispense a bulk or high-range amount of reagent (105), and may be usedfor dispensing reagents that are dispensed at above average frequencies.

Thus, the cassette device (405) of the reagent module (103-1) maydispense a first range of volumes. The digitally addressable fluidejection devices (408) of the reagent module (103-2) may dispense asecond range of volumes where the second range of volumes may be morevoluminous relative to the first range of volumes. The bulk reagentdispensing device (406) of the reagent module (103-3) may dispense athird range of volumes where the third range of volumes may be morevoluminous relative to the second range of volumes. Further, thecassette device (405) of the reagent module (103-1) may be utilized indispensing reagents that are rarely or less-frequently dispensed. Thedigitally addressable fluid ejection devices (408) of the reagent module(103-2) may be utilized in dispensing reagents that are dispensed at anaverage frequency or at least more frequently than those reagentsdispensed by the cassette device (405) of the reagent module (103-1).The bulk reagent dispensing device (406) of the reagent module (103-3)may be utilized in dispensing reagents that are very frequently used orat least more frequently used then those reagents dispensed by thedigitally addressable fluid ejection devices (408) of the reagent module(103-2).

As depicted in FIG. 4, a number of exchange paths (410) depicted asdashed lines indicate a path on which an off-line reagent module (103)may take when being switched with an in-line module (103). In thisexample, an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) (420) may beused to transport the reagent modules (103) and their respectiveintegrated cartridge service station (200) to and from the reagentdeposition area (402). The ASRS (420) may include any number of conveyorsystems, lift systems, robotic arms, other ASRS systems, andcombinations thereof. In another example, a technician may manuallyexchange the reagent modules (103).

With continued reference to FIG. 4, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of areagent module (103), according to an example of the principlesdescribed herein. When a reagent module (103) is placed in the reagentdeposition area (402), a number of mechanical (411) and electrical (412)interfaces within the reagent dispensing system (400) and located at thereagent deposition area (402) including those provided by the moduleframe (102) interface with mating mechanical (502) and electrical (503)interfaces on the reagent modules (103). In this manner, the reagentmodules (103) may be physically coupled to the reagent dispensing system(400) and be seated within the reagent deposition area (402) in order todispense reagent (105) onto the substrates (450).

Further, in this physically coupled state, a number of electricalinterfaces (503) located on the reagent modules (103) electricallyinterface with the electrical interfaces (412) located in the reagentdeposition area (402) of the reagent dispensing system (400). Thisallows the reagent dispensing system (400) to send instructions in theform of signals to the modules (103) that cause the various reagentdispensing devices (405, 406, 408) to dispense their respective reagents(105) onto the substrates (450).

A processing device (414) and a data storage device (415) may beincluded in the reagent dispensing system (400) to instruct and storedata about the reagent modules (103) and their respective reagentdispensing devices (405, 406, 408), and the integrated cartridge servicestation (200) with its service module (130) and respective servicedevices (131). The processing device (414) may provide signals to thereagent dispensing devices (405, 406, 408) to instruct the reagentdispensing devices (405, 406, 408) to dispense their respective reagents(105) onto the substrates (450). Further, the processing device (414)may instruct the ASRS (420) to exchange the in-line reagent module (103)with an off-line reagent module (103) in order to dispense a differentreagent or volume of reagent. Still further, the processing device (414)may receive data from the ASRS (420) regarding the position (e.g.,in-line or off-line positions) of the reagent module (103) and theirintegrated cartridge service station (200), store that information, anduse it in connection with the ASRS (420) exchange the in-line reagentmodule (103) with an off-line reagent module (103).

The processing device (414) may further provide instructions to theconveyance system (401) as to speed and direction in moving thesubstrates (450) within the reagent deposition area (402) and under thereagent modules (103). Even still further, the processing device (414)may instruct the integrated cartridge service station (200) to servicethe reagent dispensing devices (104), digitally addressable fluidejection devices (408), and the different reagent modules (103). Theprocessing device (414) may instruct the integrated cartridge servicestation (200) to service the reagent dispensing devices (104), digitallyaddressable fluid ejection devices (408), and the different reagentmodules (103) at any time or position including before deposition of anumber of reagents, after deposition of a number of reagents, while thereagent module (103) is in an in-line position, while the reagent module(103) is in an off-line position, other times or positions, orcombinations thereof. Further, the processing device (414) may instructthe integrated cartridge service station (200) to service the reagentdispensing devices (104), digitally addressable fluid ejection devices(408), and the different reagent modules (103) from these positions andactivate a servicing process in these positions.

The data storage device (415) may include various types of memorymodules, including volatile and nonvolatile memory. For example, thedata storage device (415) of the present example may include RandomAccess Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), and Hard Disk Drive (HDD)memory. Many other types of memory may also be utilized, and the presentspecification contemplates the use of many varying type(s) of memory inthe data storage device (415) as may suit a particular application ofthe principles described herein. In certain examples, different types ofmemory in the data storage device (415) may be used for different datastorage needs. For example, in certain examples the processor (414) mayboot from Read Only Memory (ROM), maintain nonvolatile storage in theHard Disk Drive (HDD) memory, and execute program code stored in RandomAccess Memory (RAM). The data storage device (415) may comprise acomputer readable medium, a computer readable storage medium, or anon-transitory computer readable medium, among others. For example, thedata storage device (415) may be, but not limited to, an electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system,apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Morespecific examples of the computer readable storage medium may include,for example, the following: an electrical connection having a number ofwires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random-access memory(RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM or Flash memory), a portable compact disc read-only memory(CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or anysuitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document,a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that cancontain, or store computer usable program code for use by or inconnection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.In another example, a computer readable storage medium may be anynon-transitory medium that can contain, or store a program for use by orin connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, ordevice.

Although only one reagent deposition area (402) is depicted in thereagent dispensing system (400) as a station at which the reagentmodules (103) may dispense their respective reagents, the reagentdispensing system (400) may include a plurality of stations locatedalong the substrate conveyance system (401). Each of the plurality ofstations including a reagent deposition area (402) located along thesubstrate conveyance system (401) may include the mechanical (411) andelectrical (412) interfaces to interface with the reagent modules (103).

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an integrated cartridge service station (200),according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 6,depicts a single reagent dispensing device (104) within the integratedcartridge service station (200). However, any number of reagentdispensing devices (104) may be included within the integrated cartridgeservice station (200). Further, in the example of FIG. 6, the moduleframe (102) of the reagent module (103) serves as an outer housing forthe integrated cartridge service station (200). However, in anotherexample, the module frame (102) may be entirely separate from theintegrated cartridge service station (200) and contained within theintegrated cartridge service station (200).

The integrated cartridge service station (200) may include a spittoon(601). The spittoon (601) may be any vessel into which the reagentdispensing devices (104) may spit reagent (105). A “spitting” process isan action taken by the processor (414) instructing at least one of thereagent dispensing devices (104) to purge its reagent ejection elementssuch as its nozzles by sending it a sequence of fire pulses, possibly ofgreater energy than the normal firing pulse. This serves to ensure thatthe reagent (105) contained in the nozzles does not dry, causing ablockage of dry reagent, which stops the nozzle from firing correctly.Spitting processes also help to clear already blocked, or partiallyblocked nozzles, which may be caused by fibers or dried reagent, forexample.

The integrated cartridge service station (200) may also include a wiper(602). The wiper (602) may include a base (602-1) supporting a blade(602-2). Servicing the reagent dispensing devices (104) may also includea wiping process. The wiping process may be achieved by wiping off orcleaning the reagent dispensing devices (104) of the reagent module(103) using the blade (602-2) of the wiper (602). As the reagentdispensing device (104) moves past the wiper (602), the blade (602-2) ofthe wiper (602) comes into contact with, for example, a nozzles plate orother structure from which reagent is dispensed. The wiping process maybe executed before or after the reagent is deposited by the reagentdispensing devices (104) in order to allow the reagent dispensingdevices (104) to properly dispense the reagent (105).

The integrated cartridge service station (200) may also include acapping module (603) to seal a number of nozzles of a number of reagentdispensing devices (104) within the reagent module (103) from ambientatmosphere. The capping module (603) may include a capping seal (603-1)coupled to a spring device (603-2). The spring device (603-2) may be anydevice that applies a biasing force to the capping seal (603-1) in thepositive z-direction toward the reagent dispensing device (104) to cap anumber of nozzles of the reagent dispensing devices (104).

In one example, the spring device (603-2) may be selectively activatedsuch that when the reagent dispensing devices (104) is seated within amechanical interface (604) of the integrated cartridge service station(200) the spring device (603-2) may bias the capping seal (603-1) towardthe reagent dispensing devices (104). In one example, the force of thecapping module (603) against the reagent dispensing device (104) may bedefined and modulated by the spring device (603-2). In one example, themovement of the capping module (603) from an engaged position to adisengaged position and visa versa may be defined by a travel path ofthe reagent dispensing device (104) from an off-line position to anon-line position and visa versa. Further, in one example, the movementof the capping module (603) from an engaged position to a disengagedposition and visa versa may be defined by the orientation of the cappingseal (603-1) relative to a nozzle plate or nozzles of the reagentdispensing device (104). In one example, an electrical interconnect maybe present between the spring device (603-2) of the capping module (603)and the reagent dispensing system (100, 400) such that the processingdevice (414) may control the activation of the spring device (603-2) todecap or cap the reagent dispensing device (104).

A mechanical interface (604) of the integrated cartridge service station(200) provides for a place for the reagent dispensing device (104) to beseated when the reagent dispensing device (104) is not in a position todispense reagent, but is in an off-line position within the integratedcartridge service station (200). A rail system (605) may be includedwithin the integrated cartridge service station (200) to allow thereagent dispensing device (104) to travel from the seated position whencoupled to the mechanical interface (604) to an in-line position. Therail system (605) may include, for example, a number of pins to couplethe reagent dispensing device (104) to a rail, and a number of gears andcables coupled to a drive motor to move the reagent dispensing device(104) to move the reagent dispensing device (104) along the rail.

The rail system (605) may move the reagent dispensing device (104) to anin-line position, and seated on an electrical and mechanical interface(606). The interface (606) provides the reagent dispensing device (104)with physical alignment and data for the reagent dispensing device (104)to dispense reagent onto a substrate.

As the reagent dispensing device (104) moves to an in-line position fordispensing the reagent, the capping module (603) may be deactivated suchthat the spring device (603-2) lowers the capping seal (603-1) andcauses the capping seal (603-1) to disengage with, for example, a nozzleplate or a number of nozzles of the reagent dispensing device (104). Asthe reagent dispensing device (104) moves to the in-line position toseat with the interface (606), a nozzle plate or nozzles of the reagentdispensing device (104) comes into contact with the blade (602-2) of thewiper (602), and is wiped. Further, the reagent dispensing device (104)moves past the spittoon (601). The integrated cartridge service station(200) may instruct the reagent dispensing device (104) to perform a spitoperation when the reagent dispensing device (104) is located above thespittoon (601).

An aperture (607) may be defined in the integrated cartridge servicestation (200) to allow the reagent dispensing device (104) to protrudefrom the integrated cartridge service station (200) to the exterior ofthe integrated cartridge service station (200) and dispense the reagent(105) contained therein. In one example, the reagent dispensing device(104) protrudes from the integrated cartridge service station (200) whenseated on the interface (606), In this manner, the reagent dispensingdevice (104) is able to be autonomously removed from the integratedcartridge service station (200) in order to dispense reagents onto thedispersion surface (FIG. 4, 401).

With the spittoon (601), the wiper (602), and the capping module (603),the reagent dispensing device (104) may be serviced before deposition ofa number of reagents, after deposition of a number of reagents, whilethe reagent module (103) is moved into an in-line position, while thereagent module (103) is moved into an off-line position, other times orpositions, or combinations thereof. Further, other service devices maybe included in the integrated cartridge service station (200).

Aspects of the present systems and methods are described herein withreference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods,apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to examplesof the principles described herein. Each block of the flowchartillustrations and block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and block diagrams, may be implemented bycomputer usable program code. The computer usable program code may beprovided to the processing device (414), such that the computer usableprogram code, when executed via, for example, the processing device(414) of the reagent dispensing system (100, 400) or other programmabledata processing apparatus, implement the functions or acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. In one example, thecomputer usable program code may be embodied within a computer readablestorage medium; the computer readable storage medium being part of thecomputer program product. In one example, the computer readable storagemedium is a non-transitory computer readable medium.

The specification and figures describe an integrated cartridge servicestation that may include a reagent module comprising at least onereagent ejection device, and a service module integrated with thereagent module. The service module may include at least one servicedevice. The reagent module and the service module are movable withrespect to one another within a reagent dispensing system, and the atleast one reagent ejection device is movable between an in-line positionand an off-line position within the reagent dispensing system.

This integrated cartridge service station provides a more effectiveend-user experience as it is easier to keep the reagents separate withminimal management by a technician or other end-user. The integration ofthe reagent dispensing devices with the service station reduce usererrors and provide a superior end-user experience while allowing thesystem to function effectively.

The preceding description has been presented to illustrate and describeexamples of the principles described. This description is not intendedto be exhaustive or to limit these principles to any precise formdisclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light ofthe above teaching.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reagent dispensing system, comprising: at leastone reagent module comprising at least one reagent dispensing device todispense a number of reagents on a substrate; a module frameelectrically and mechanically coupling the reagent dispensing device tothe reagent dispersing system; and a service module integrated with theat least one reagent ejection device, the service module comprising atleast one service device, wherein the at least one reagent ejectiondevice and the integrated service module are movable with respect to oneanother, the reagent module being movable between an in-line positionand an off-line position within the reagent dispensing system.
 2. Thereagent dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the at least one servicedevice comprises a capping module to seal a number of nozzles of the atleast one reagent ejection device from ambient atmosphere.
 3. Thereagent dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the at least one servicedevice comprises a wiping module to wipe a nozzle plate of the at leastone reagent ejection device.
 4. The reagent dispensing system of claim1, wherein the at least one service device comprises a spittoon toreceive spat reagent from the at least one reagent ejection device. 5.The reagent dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the at least onereagent ejection device comprises: a plurality of reagent ejectiondevices, wherein the module frame couples the plurality of reagentejection devices to one another, the coupled reagent ejection devicesand module frame forming the reagent module, and wherein the servicemodule services each of the reagent ejection devices within the reagentmodule.
 6. The reagent dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the servicemodule services the at least one reagent dispensing device at an on-lineposition, at an off-line position, or a combination thereof.
 7. Thereagent dispensing system of claim 5, wherein the reagent ejectiondevices are grouped within the reagent module based on a probability ofcross-contamination between the plurality of the reagent ejectiondevices, an expiration date of the reagents within the reagentdispensing cartridges, a frequency of use of the reagents within thereagent dispensing cartridges, a volume of use of the reagents withinthe reagent dispensing cartridges, or combinations thereof.
 8. Thereagent dispensing system of claim 1, wherein: the at least one reagentejection device comprises a plurality of reagent ejection devices, theservice module comprises a plurality of service devices, and each of thereagent ejection devices are integrated with the service module.
 9. Anintegrated cartridge service station comprising: a reagent modulecomprising at least one reagent ejection device; a service moduleintegrated with the reagent module, the service module comprising atleast one service device, wherein the reagent module and the servicemodule are movable with respect to one another within a reagentdispensing system, the at least one reagent ejection device movablebetween an in-line position and an off-line position within the reagentdispensing system.
 10. The integrated cartridge service station of claim9, wherein the at least one service device comprises a capping module toseal a number of nozzles of the at least one reagent ejection devicefrom ambient atmosphere, a wiping module to wipe a nozzle plate of theat least one reagent ejection device, a spittoon to receive spat reagentfrom the at least one reagent ejection device, or combinations thereof.11. The integrated cartridge service station of claim 10, wherein thespittoon comprises a disposable absorbent material.
 12. The integratedcartridge service station of claim 10, wherein the wiping module and thespitting module comprises a disposable absorbent material.
 13. Acomputer program product for servicing a reagent dispensing device, thecomputer program product comprising: a computer readable storage mediumcomprising computer usable program code embodied therewith, the computerusable program code to, when executed by a processor: identify a serviceparameter of at least one reagent dispensing device within a reagentdispensing system; in response to the service parameter being met,initiate a servicing process of the reagent dispensing device using aservice module integrated with the at least one reagent dispensingdevice, wherein the service module moves relative to the at least onereagent ejection device during the servicing process.
 14. The computerprogram product of claim 13, wherein: the at least one reagentdispensing device comprises a plurality of reagent dispensing devices,wherein the plurality of the reagent ejection devices are integratedwith the service module, and wherein initiating the servicing processcomprises servicing a plurality of the reagent ejection devicesintegrated with the service module.
 15. The computer program product ofclaim 13, wherein the integrated service module comprises a cappingdevice, a wiping device, a spittoon device, or combinations thereof.